Clark University Global Scholars Program 2025–2026

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Clark University, a private research institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded in 1887, is renowned for its commitment to liberal arts education and global impact, encapsulated in its motto, “Challenge Convention. Change Our World.”

The Global Scholars Program (GSP) for 2025–2026 offers merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate students, including Nigerians, who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

Providing financial support of USD 15,000–25,000 annually, renewable for four years, the program fosters global leadership through mentorship, internships, and community engagement.

With 46 majors and a vibrant campus life, Clark equips scholars to address global challenges in fields like social sciences, humanities, and STEM.

This guide details eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success for international applicants seeking to join Clark’s transformative community.

Why Choose the Global Scholars Program?

The Global Scholars Program is designed to empower international students with exceptional academic and leadership potential. Key benefits include:

• Generous Financial Support: Scholarships of USD 15,000–25,000 per year, renewable for four years, with up to USD 5,000 additional need-based aid.
• World-Class Education: Study at Clark, ranked among the top 100 U.S. universities, with access to 46 majors and robust research opportunities.
• Leadership Development: Participate in the Global Scholars Mentor Program, including faculty advising, alumni mentorship, and an annual dinner hosted by the university president.
• Internship Stipend: A guaranteed USD 2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship or research assistantship during the summer after sophomore or junior year.
• Global Impact: Engage in over 50 study-abroad programs in 20+ countries and community initiatives in Worcester, fostering global and local change.

Program Overview

The Global Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship for first-year international undergraduate students at Clark University. It supports students who have attended school overseas for at least four years or international citizens studying in the U.S., emphasizing leadership and community impact.

Renewable for four years, the scholarship requires maintaining academic standards (typically a 3.0 GPA). The program integrates academic excellence with practical experiences, such as internships and mentorship, to prepare scholars for global leadership roles. Clark awards approximately 10–15 GSP scholarships annually, making it highly competitive.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the Global Scholars Program focuses on academic achievement, leadership, and partial financial need. Specific requirements include:

• Nationality: Open to international students from all countries, including Nigerians, who require a U.S. student visa. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or dual citizens are ineligible.
• Educational Background: First-year applicants (not transfer students) who have attended school overseas for at least four years or international citizens studying in the U.S.
• Academic Excellence: Strong high school performance, typically a GPA of 3.67 or higher, with a mix of A’s and B’s (more A’s). Competitive applicants often have SAT scores of 1150–1350 or ACT scores of 27–32.
• Leadership Potential: Demonstrated leadership through community service, extracurricular activities, or achievements in arts, sports, or debating.
• English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT (80+), IELTS (6.5+, no band below 6.0), or Duolingo (110+) for non-native English speakers, unless educated in English-medium schools (e.g., some Nigerian applicants).
• Financial Contribution: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover a significant portion of educational costs (e.g., USD 25,000–45,000 annually), though additional need-based aid up to USD 5,000 may be available.

Nigerians with strong academic records and leadership experience are well-positioned, but must meet English proficiency requirements if not exempt.

Benefits of the Global Scholars Program

The program offers comprehensive support, including:

• Scholarship Funding: USD 15,000–25,000 per year for four years, renewable upon maintaining academic standards (e.g., 3.0 GPA).
• Additional Aid: Up to USD 5,000 in need-based financial aid for students with demonstrated financial need exceeding the scholarship amount.
• Internship Stipend: USD 2,500 for a paid internship or research assistantship during the summer after sophomore or junior year, credited toward academic requirements.
• Mentorship: Access to the Global Scholars Mentor Program, including faculty advisors, alumni mentors, and an annual president-hosted dinner.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities for leadership workshops, community service in Worcester, and study-abroad programs in 20+ countries.

These benefits reduce financial burdens and enhance career readiness through practical experiences.

Fields of Study Covered

Clark University offers 46 majors and minors across undergraduate programs, including:

• Humanities: English, history, philosophy.
• Social Sciences: Economics, psychology, political science, sociology.
• STEM: Biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, physics.
• Interdisciplinary Programs: Data science, geography, global environmental studies.
• Pre-Professional Tracks: Pre-law, pre-med, pre-business.

Students can design specialized majors, aligning with the program’s focus on innovative and impactful education.

Application Process

The Global Scholars Program application is integrated with Clark’s undergraduate admission process, with no separate scholarship application required. Steps include:

1. 1. Create an Account: Register on the Common Application or Coalition Application with Scoir, available after August 1, 2025.
   2. Indicate Interest: Check the Global Scholars Program option on the Common Application to receive scholarship application details, including the short essay topic.
   3. Prepare Documents:
      • High school transcripts (translated if not in English).
      • English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, if required).
      • One teacher recommendation letter.
      • College Scholarship Service (CSS)/Financial Aid PROFILE form (Clark CSS Code: 3279) to assess financial need.
      • Short essay (topic provided post-application, typically on leadership or global impact).
   4. Submit Applications:
      • Early Action/Early Decision: Submit admission application and scholarship essay by November 15, 2025.
      • Regular Decision: Submit both by February 1, 2026.
   5. Await Results: Scholarship decisions are announced with admission decisions by late March 2026.

Early Action applicants may receive priority consideration. Applicants are automatically considered for other merit scholarships, except the Presidential Scholarship, which requires a separate application.

Tips for a Successful Application

With limited scholarships, these strategies can strengthen your application:

1. 1. • Apply Early: Submit by November 15, 2025, for Early Action/Early Decision to increase consideration chances.
      • Highlight Leadership: Emphasize specific examples of community service or leadership (e.g., organizing school events or volunteering).
      • Excel Academically: Ensure a strong GPA and, if applicable, competitive SAT/ACT scores to stand out.
      • Complete Financial Forms: Submit the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE accurately to qualify for additional need-based aid.
      • Craft a Compelling Essay: Write a concise, authentic essay aligning your goals with Clark’s mission of global change.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Key dates include:

1. 1. • August 1, 2025: Common Application opens.
      • November 15, 2025: Deadline for Early Action/Early Decision applications and GSP essay.
      • February 1, 2026: Deadline for Regular Decision applications and GSP essay.
      • Late March 2026: Admission and scholarship notifications.
      • September 2026: Program and scholarship tenure begin.

Life as a Global Scholar

Scholars at Clark engage in a vibrant campus life in Worcester, a cultural hub near Boston. The Global Scholars Mentor Program fosters connections through faculty advising, alumni mentorship, and events like the president’s dinner.

The USD 2,500 internship stipend supports summer experiences, while study-abroad programs in countries like the UK or Japan broaden perspectives.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

1. 1. • Clark University Presidential Scholarship: Fully funded for top applicants, covering tuition, room, and board.
      • Berea College Scholarships: Tuition-free for international students with financial need.
      • University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award: Need-based undergraduate scholarships in Canada.

Conclusion

The Clark University Global Scholars Program for 2025–2026 offers international students, including Nigerians, a transformative opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies with significant financial support. Providing USD 15,000–25,000 annually, mentorship, and internship stipends, the program fosters academic excellence and global leadership.

Early application by November 15, 2025, strong academics, and demonstrated leadership are key to securing this competitive award. Apply now to join Clark’s community of changemakers. Visit here for more details.

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